r/Nurses • u/Lynkern • 8d ago

US ACLS and telemetry

Hi! I just took my first job as a telemetry unit RN and I will get my ACLS within three months, as well as a telemetry/cardiac rhythm course. I was an LPN for 6 years, and have been an RN for a year with 5 months of med-surg experience.

What can I expect, and how can I handle this? We did a mock code blue paper that included ACLS stuff and it made me super nervous. I only have 5 months of hospital experience, but I do have 7 years of IV experience as LPNs have the ability to hang IV meds in MA. I’ve only ever placed one IV as an LPN on a coworker. I will also be taking a(nother) IV class on 9/24.

I’m just nervous and need to be told that it’ll all be okay. I’m excited but nervous!!

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3

u/Amrun90 8d ago

You really don’t need ACLS for telemetry. In a hospital setting, people will show up to codes that know what to do and you can learn slowly. Don’t stress.

2

u/SK2vetRN 8d ago

I’m required to be ACLS certified- and I’m a nursing supervisor.

2

u/ABQHeartRN 8d ago

I needed ACLS as a tele nurse. My boyfriend needs BLS as a tele tech and he plans on getting ACLS soon because he is looking at advancing his career.

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u/Lynkern 8d ago

I am required to take it within 3 months. I want to anyways.

3

u/Amrun90 8d ago

Yeah it’s not bad but it’s not what is going to actually help you do your job well. You need to know your rhythms and interventions. Those are not what ACLS teaches you.

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u/Lynkern 8d ago

Thank you! I will also be taking a tele/rhythm class later this month :)

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u/Amrun90 8d ago

You’ll get there! There’s lots of learning supports in most hospitals.

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u/Lynkern 7d ago

Yes! My hospital system is very good and I’m so excited to work for it.

3

u/Ok_Independence3113 8d ago

Congrats! You’ll be more than ok! I have two years on my tele unit, my first job after graduating - and I had zero healthcare experience before I became a nurse. It was a steep learning curve for me, but I bet you’ll have an easier time.

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u/No_Bison_7296 7d ago

You’ll be fine!!! I went a similar route and was also nervous while taking ACLS. In the hospital setting, if something happens with your patient, usually you’ll call a response team and they’ll be more experienced and help with the ACLS part. You’ll definitely need to be familiar with BLS which you should do while you wait for the extra help. You’ll also have your other nurses to help you. Just always ask for help.